Akshay Bhatia’s maiden Masters appearance has significant historical significance.
Ten years ago, in 2014, when Bhatia was just 12 years old, he competed in the inaugural Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Augusta National. On the Sunday before Masters Week, he wore baggy khakis, a Carolina blue polo shirt and a white hat.
“My first drive, chip and putt was pretty surreal as a kid. You don’t realize how lucky we are to have that opportunity,” Bhatia said on Monday. .
“And I just couldn’t believe how nice everyone was, letting the kids hit golf balls on the driving range and puttingts on the 18th green.” I remember deciding, thankfully my style has improved a bit [since then]”
As well as his style, his play on the golf course has improved as well. Look at what he did on the Sunday before this year’s Masters.
He earned his ticket to Augusta in otherworldly fashion, winning the Valero Texas Open in a wild playoff to secure the 89th and final spot in this year’s field.
After holding a six-stroke lead midway through the final round, Bhatia fended off a strong attack from Denny McCarthy, who shot an 8-under 28 on the back nine to force extra holes. Bhatia needed to win at TPC San Antonio to go to Augusta, or else he would be removed from the field.
“I was playing really well all day, but Denny just felt the passion in him. I think he had seven one-putts on the back nine, which was pretty impressive. ” said Bhatia.
“It’s amazing just to be standing here, and just the fact that our members are giving us the opportunity to play on their golf course, it’s really special. Standing on the first tee on Thursday. I can’t wait.”
When he steps on the first tee on Thursday, Bhatia will become the first player in the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship to qualify for the Masters.
“It’s really great to be here and be the first Drive, Chip and Putt participant in the Masters,” said Bhatia.
“So I hope this can inspire a lot of kids who have the opportunity to play.”
He certainly felt inspired by the players competing in the 2014 Masters.
That week, Ms. Bhatia remembers bumping into John Daly in the hotel elevator. He also recalls the first time he drove up Magnolia his lane and met many new friends.
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But it was a moment in the grandstand to the left of the fourth green that inspired Bhatia.
“I remember going to watch the practice round on Tuesday,” Bhatia said.
“We were sitting in the fourth hole in the grandstand and it was really surreal. I remember how disappointed I was wishing I had been out there and not just watching. ”
Now, it has come full circle for Bhatia. Those who competed in this year’s Drive, Chip and Putt Championship will have a chance to watch him scout Augusta on Tuesday.
He didn’t prepare much on Monday, but rest assured Bhatia will be ready. The adrenaline from Sunday’s win at TPC San Antonio will be coursing through him all week and give him the energy he needs to compete at this year’s Masters.
And who knows? Perhaps he can make even more history by winning the green jacket.
It would be an incredibly full-circle moment.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
